High Street Hero’s – John Lewis and the Modern Country Collection for Spring

Not just a high street hero, John Lewis is a British institution. Without a doubt a favourite store for so many of us. So, when I got a heads up about the new Modern Country collection for spring and summer, I was all over it. And the lovely peeps at JL didn’t have to look far for inspiration for this lovely, fresh take on a traditional look. It’s inspired by founder Spedan Lewis* and his love of all things botanical, and their very own country retreat at Leckford Estate.**

Penryn 3 Seater Sofa, £1,399. Longstock Lined Pencil Pleat Curtains, £90 – £180. Dartington Crystal Aurora Large Stem Vase, Amethyst, £49. Dartington Crystal Aurora Small Stem Vase, Ink Blue, £35.

The pretty fabrics look light and summery with flowery sprigs on a light background. Just the job for making our homes look bright and airy for the new season ahead. It’s a heritage look with a fresh twist. If this doesn’t get you in the mood for spring, nothing on earth will. It’s a well know fact that flowers have a positive effect on the mind. But the modern interpretation is to keep the pattern to one or two areas in the room, keep the upholstery plain, and accessorise with colourful glass and fresh flowers. Or if you’re like me lately, the faux flowers also available on the John Lewis website.

Leckford 18cm Bone China Plate, £8. 27.5cm Bone China Plate, £12.

The spring flowers are extended across tableware with painterly strokes across plain white fine bone china. The effect is casual, like an artist’s watercolour doodles. Looking even more effective here on a dark tabletop, but a dark grey tablecloth would work just as well. Add white linen napkins and more flowers in a glass vase or a plain white jug and you have the perfect table setting for a Easter Sunday feast.

Claire Brooker – Viola Botanical Collage Framed Print, £75.

Brass accents bring the modern country look bang-up-to-date.

Croft Collection Spot Throw, Rosa, £89.

And don’t forget the texture. Woollen throws are not just a staple part of the modern country look, they are practical too for the unreliable British spring weather.

I’m also thinking that there’s lots of inspiration here for Mothers Day next month.

*John Spedan Lewis (22 September 1885 – 21 February 1963) was an English businessman and the founder of the John Lewis Partnership. As the elder son of John Lewis, who already owned the John Lewis department store, Spedan joined the business at 19 and in 1914 assumed control of Peter Jones in Sloane Square. On his father’s death he formed the John Lewis Partnership and began distributing profits among its employees in 1929. He transferred control of the company to the employees in 1950 and resigned as chairman in 1955. He was a visionary retailer with an extensive knowledge of botany, entomology and aquatic life.

**Leckford Estate was purchased by John Spedan Lewis in 1929 and remained his home throughout his life. Located near Stockbridge in Hampshire, in 1946 the Estate became integrated into the John Lewis partnership and remains a place for ‘partners’ to holiday. The business also involves farming, and food production for Waitrose, property management, retail, leisure and events.

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